Music and Dementias: A Review of Literature

This paper represents an extensive review of literature published in the area of music/music therapy end dementias from 1985–1996. Research outcomes were categorized, coded, and summarized in order to outline recommendations that may be used in clinical practice as well as in future research. The decision to set 1985 as the earliest publication date for consideration was based on the fact that all studies identified as using music/music therapy for people with dementias were published after 1985. Literature used in this analysis included articles published in refereed journals, written in English, which addressed the use of music/music therapy with individuals having dementia either as a basis for an experimental study or as the main topic of a published report. A total of 69 references were identified. Of these, 42 were empirical studies, including 30 clinical empirical reports (experimental, descriptive, or case studies) using music as a therapeutic intervention (independent variable). The clinical empirical research studies were categorized according to the functional areas (dependent variable) addressed: (a) participation/preferences for music activities (n = 11), (b) social/emotional skills (n = 7), (c) cognitive skills (n = 2), and (d) behavior management (n = 10). The remaining 12 empirical studies were either in the area of assessment or music cognition from a neuropsychological perspective. Narrative case studies and anecdotal accounts of music in therapy or articles describing nonmusic objectives taught through music numbered 8. Theoretical/philosophical papers describing and recommending music techniques as an alternative treatment for a variety of therapeutic objectives totaled 79. Results of the studies analyzed show that, in general, music/music therapy is en effective intervention to maintain and improve active involvement, social, emotional and cognitive skills, and to decrease behavior problems of individuals with dementias. Suggestions for clinical practice and future research endeavors are discussed.